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Tag: Belgium News

Get the latest LGBT+ Belgium news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Belgium.

  • 5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

    5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

    Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine.

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

    Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

    Rue du Marche au Charbon 106, 1000 Brussels,
    +32 2 513 56 67
    Open 12:00 – 00:00

    Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

    Rue Van Orley 10, 1000 Brussels
    +32 2 218 08 00
    Open 11:30 – 22:00

    The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

    Rue du Marché au Charbon 114, 1000 Bruxelles
    +32 2 502 58 00
    Open 09:00 – 04:00

    La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

    Kolenmarktstraat 44, 1000 Brussels

    +32 492 03 16 08

    Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

    Rue du Marche au Charbon 27, 1000 Brussels
    +32 2 608 30 41
    Open 17:00 – 04:00

     

    Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

     

  • GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

    GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    There’s no real scientific evidence to suggest that chocolate actually does work as an aphrodisiac. Many foods have been assigned such qualities, but by and large, they tend to have a strong placebo effect instead. In other words, they get you thinking about sex just by association, and this puts sex to the front of your mind. Could this be why ‘Chocolate Row’ in a central part of Brussels positively glows with the frisson of sexiness?

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    Belgium is known for two things, and if you are not here for the beer, then you should head along to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and try the chocolate. Found right in the heart of Brussels, this glass-domed series of galleries was one of the first shopping malls to be built in Europe and still retains the grandeur and architectural spectacle that reflects its century and a half age. It is filled with high-end boutiques, cultural organisation and, of course, a generous helping of chocolate shops.

    Walkerssk / Pixabay

    And if you are looking to explore the heart of Brussels social scene, bars and nightlife then there is no better location to use as your base than the nearby Hotel Hubert. Only a few minutes from the Grand Palace and Brussels Central Station, Hubert is a perfect mix of the luxurious and the easy-going, aims towards self-service but has an attentive staff to help you negotiate its modern concepts.

    Lobby lounge at Hotel Hubert Brussels near Grand Place

    They strive for a home from home feeling, and that is precisely what you get. Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine. It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

    Accommodation at Hotel Hubert Brussels near Grand Place

    As the gay scene in London seems to be slowly fading out, Eurostar promotions are keeping the Londoners afloat with extremely affordable deals. If you want a city destination that is close and reasonably priced.

     

    5 gay establishments to consider in Brussels

    Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

    Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

    The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

    La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

    Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

    Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

  • HOTEL REVIEW | The Hotel, Brussels – perfect for a 24 hours in Gay Brussels

    HOTEL REVIEW | The Hotel, Brussels – perfect for a 24 hours in Gay Brussels

    24 Hours in Gay Brussels

    Obviously, you can’t hope to get to know any city via just a one day stay but, if you know how to organise your time, you can combine a relaxing and luxurious break with enough of a flavour of the place to make it a memorable experience and Brussels is perfect for such a trip. Without much time available to travel too far from your base, choosing the right hotel is essential, it being required to deliver all the necessary wining, dining and pampering needs and easy access to other amenities is also essential.

    Located on the Boulavard de Waterloo in the Louise district of Brussels, the equivalent of Chelsea or Knightsbridge, but without the pretentious feeling that often is associated with those parts of London, The Hotel Brussels, is an ideal base of operations to explore and soak up the city’s vibes. Continuing the theme of concise titles, The Restaurant offers a weekly menu with the focus on local, fresh and seasonal produce that combines both the authenticity of Belgian cuisine and chef Pierre Balthazar’s own unique creativity. It should be noted that vegetarians may find their hot breakfast options to be a little on the limited side.

    The rooms are an oasis of refinement and space, the decor is modern and light, though one drawback is that the bathrooms are not only open plan but the toilet door is hinged to serve also as the shower door. Fine if you are staying with someone who has seen it all before, not so ideal if you are just sharing with a friend.

    The Hotel also offers a spa and fitness suite, located on the 23rd floor of The Hotel meaning that whilst you exercise you can take in the sumptuous views of the city. It’s a little on the small side but the views do make up for this. You can also indulge yourself in a visit to the sauna or steam room and spa treatments are also on offer.

    What to do when in Brussels

    You could use the combination of dining, relaxing and wellbeing as the extent of your visit, but step outside the hotel and a wealth of experiences opens up. If Belgium is known for one thing it is chocolate and Groovy Brussels offers a walking tour to help you appreciate this most exotic of foods. Over two and a half hours you will visit six of the most beautiful chocolate shops found in the heart of the medieval city passing along beautiful galleries, romantic city views and impressive monuments. The tour might not be your cheapest activity around but you will come away from this memorable experience with a much better understanding of the history and culinary art of chocolate.

    If something more social is your goal then there are a cluster of gay bars nearby such as the iconic Le Belgica, with its wealth of drinks, including the world-famous Belgian beers, and top DJ’s pandering to all of your House and Techno needs. There is also a great selection of restaurants nearby especially if you want to find something away from the hustle and hassle of the tourist routes around the Grand Palace.

    And as you want to get the most out of your brief time in the city, it is worth noting that the Eurostar terminal is an easy walk from The Hotel allowing you to maximise your time getting to know the city itself.

    Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

  • TRAVEL | Belgium Balladry with Sam Smith

    Travel expert, Ray Si takes to the roads to check out Sam Smith in Belgium in a gay travel special.

    Sam Smith in concert
    Sam Smith in concert

    If music be the food of love, and travel broadens the mind, then it follows that undertaking a trip to watch a live music concert should make you lovelier and more broad-minded than you were to begin with. There seems to be logic to that, but you would probably have to ask someone with a more academic background. However, it’s a nice thought, so let’s go with it. But it takes more than nice thoughts to make all of the logistical pieces of a trip to an arena show fall into place these days, as was evident when I attempted to secure tickets for Sam Smith’s London O2 show.

    Despite springing into action as soon as tickets were announced, I encountered what is becoming a regular stumbling block for gig-goers of late, in that as soon as they come up for sale, a quick scan through the box office website generally reveals that all of the best seats have been bought out by a sister site, and the prices inflated way beyond face value. This was indeed the case, and I did want to see Sam Smith live. What’s a boy to do? A scan through other available tour dates, a quick flex of the credit card to the tune of €66, and I was not only able to secure a 4th-row ticket at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp but give myself the perfect excuse for a short break in Belgium. Not that anyone really needs an excuse to head off to Belgium.

    Eurostar waiting in London's St Pancras
    Eurostar waiting in London’s St Pancras

    Okay, so in the grand scheme of things, I didn’t really save much money doing it this way, because of course, I now had to include the cost of a hotel and a Eurostar ticket, but what I did end up with was a mini holiday in another country for the price of the original London seat.

    What's it like to travel on Eurostar
    Inside the Eurostar

    Any trip from the UK to Europe is best done on Eurostar, and believe me, the new trains add a whole extra level of convenience and comfort to your journey. Tickets and check-ins for the train are simplicity itself, and with spacious seats, power sockets, and entertainment (via WiFi) and a generous luggage allowance, the journey couldn’t be more enjoyable. Eurostar’s new Standard Premier is even more spacious, quiet, and has a cute meal and drinks service included.

    What's it like to travel on Eurostar
    An upgrade on your Eurostar journey

    As a small celebration for getting such a good seat for the show at such a reasonable price, I thought that I’d splash out a little on accommodation and chose The Dominican hotel in central Brussels. Not only was its central location wonderfully convenient, but it is one of those hotels where you can’t help feeling a little bit special. Built on the site of a Dominican abbey, hence the name, this majestic hotel mixes utmost modernity with historical elegance and abounds with antiques and artwork from more classical times.

    Inside the Dominican Lobby
    Inside the Dominican Lobby
    Inside the Dominican Bedroom
    Inside the Dominican Bedroom

    There are plenty of options to eat in at The Dominican, but with such a short time to fit in as many new experiences as possible, I wasted no time in finding a great little restaurant in the guise of the wonderfully named Ricotta and Parmesan. Cheesy in name perhaps, but anything but cheesy in nature. It’s actually a wonderful Italian eatery, a blend of traditional flavours served in modern ways, although having mussels on the menu this far from the sea is odd, though it does allow diners to crack a Jean-Claude Van Damme joke or two.

    Although Antwerp and Brussels are only an hour apart, to save having to fight through all the other gig goers jostling to get to the same station after the show, I thought it best to book something more convenient for apres-gig accommodation, and the B-aparthotel Moretus was the perfect combination of comfort and practicality. Not for me a fight through the madding crowds just to experience standing room only in a full to the brim train.

    And of course, the reason for this trip was to take in the bruised balladry of Sam Smith, no longer the new kid on the block but musically seeming like an old soul, wise beyond his years, and walking a fine line between the melancholic and confessional, and more upbeat and soulful musical waters. And with this current tour spread out across the world right through to the end of the year, my little adventure just goes to show that you don’t have to play the ticket touts’ game, and with a bit of planning, you can use the live show as the jewel in the crown of a fantastic short break.

    Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

  • Mr Gay Belgium attacked and hospitalised in horrific homophobic attack

    Attacked from behind, brutalised and hospitalised for being gay

    Mr Gay Belgium, Jamie Deblieck, was attacked in a brutal homophobic attack in his hometown in Belgium. His attackers called him a “f**king homo” before stomping on him, leaving him with injuries that needed medical attention.

    Jaimie, who is also autistic, posted a message on his Facebook profile, which translated to, “Attacking me from behind and stamping is one thing. Calling me “f**king gay” after that, you’re gonna regret it. I’m not leaving it here, you coward.”

    Jaimie is currently fronting a campaign to bring awareness to Autism, in a campaign called Autism | Understand, Don’t Judge.’

    Attacked from behind

    According to the advocate, he was attacked from behind but was able to view who attacked him and report his attacker to the authorities – saying that the public prosecutor would be on the case to bring the alleged attacker to justice.

    Posting again, Jaimie thanked his friends and followers for their well wishes and support saying,

    “Your support is what is going to pull me through these difficult days, and for that I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    “A complaint has been filed against the [perpetrator] and the public prosecutor’s office will get to the bottom of this case.

    “I also want to tell you why I chose to stand in front of the media. A lot of people in our country, like me, have had to deal with physical aggression because of their orientation and have not yet dared to come out of it. That’s why I decided to spread my statement through the media landscape. Events like this should be reported. There are a lot of bodies such as the unia, police, holebiverenigingen to itself an app (Uni-form) where you can report such cases. I tried to share this message today at my best”.

    Together We’ll get there!

    He finished with a more positive message saying,

    “Hating me, threatening, beating up.. Nothing’s gonna stop me from doing my job as mister and defending our community. Together We’ll get there!”

  • Who are the gay and lesbian Prime Ministers of Europe?

    European countries have had the most openly gay and lesbian leaders, with five openly out being elected into power since 2009.

    Who are the openly gay prime ministers of the world?

    To our knowledge, there have not been any openly bisexual or transgender leaders. There have been five openly gay and lesbian leaders.

     

    Iceland

    Iceland was the first country in Europe to elect an openly lesbian leader with Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, she served from the 1st of February 2009 until the 23rd May 2013. She was part of the Social Democratic Alliance in Iceland. She is married to Jónína Leósdóttir. They have been together since 2002.

    Belgium

    Belgium elected Elio Di Rupo was Prime Minster from the 6th December 2011 until October 2014. Di Rupo came out as gay in 1996, during a press pack conference in which he was asked if he was gay, he responded, “Yes. So what?” He is the first openly gay man to lead a sovereign state, and the first openly gay man to win the position in his own right pursuant to an election

    Luxembourg

    Luxembourg was the next country to elect an openly gay man with Xavier Bettel being elected on 2nd December 2013. He is still in power.

    Ireland

    On the 13th June Ireland made Leo Varadkar Prime Minister. He is the youngest Prime Minster of Ireland.

    Serbia

    On the 15th June, Serbia got its first lesbian and female Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić. MsBrnabić is a 41-year-old graduate of the University of Hull.

     

     

  • TRAVEL REVIEW | B-Apart of Brussels

    TRAVEL REVIEW | B-Apart of Brussels

    Brussels is still a modest yet highly spirited neighbouring city with an extremely active gay scene (more so than London).

    Ray_Si-Grand_Place_apartmentliving_room

    Attractive deals with Eurostar can take you from London to the heart of Brussels in 2 hours with fares from as little as £58.00 return (March 2016). With the gay scene in London becoming somewhat embarrassing, take an easy ride to this quaint, convenient and charming city where you can pelt yourself into their friendly and loyal gaybourhood.

    Accommodation options available to travellers used to be limited mainly to hotels and dare I say it hostels however in the last say 8 years we have seen an increase of shared accommodation services that entice LGBT travellers – they are all great and serve a purpose yet if you are in need of modernized surroundings with complete privacy in a generous spaced apartment and not a ‘bedroom sized’ hotel room then the option of B-Aparthotels should be high on your list.

    B-Aparthotels has 5 pristine properties in the Brussels city area and located close to the important fun things to do – especially their property near Grand Place. Instructions to enter this fresh and orderly establishment is very slick and whilst there is no reception desk staff you instantly receive a warm welcome with the cleanliness and sleek instructions on how to obtain your room key in order to navigate to your very own apartment.

    Ray_Si-Grand_Place_apartmentliving_room

    All B-Aparthotels are stocked with quality toiletries, kitchenware, appliances and has daily housekeeping service all-inclusive of the decent room rates that are available for their swank 1, 2, 3 bedroom, penthouse and duplex apartments.

    The thought of hotel rooms for business or leisure travellers, meant working, sleeping and eating in the one, often cramped space. It also made travelling for families and groups expensive, with multiple rooms required to accommodate everyone. Features, unique to apartment hotels, allow you to cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and relax with plenty of space. B-Aparthotels attracts guests who stay for days, weeks or months at a time.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

    Staying at this B-Aparthotel allows you to be in the midst of Brussels restaurant row. Rue des Bouchers is the gateway to a neighbourhood of food where there are more than 70 restaurants, one next to the other, on the street levels of the old step-roofed stone, brick and timber buildings in what is one of the oldest sections of historical central Brussels.

    Ray_Si-_VAU3015

    Rue du Marché au Charbon is a short and pleasant walking distance from the B-Aparthotel (Grand Place) and it’s this cobbled stretch that sits numerous gay bars, restaurants and plays host to the heartbeat of Gay Brussels – a place where you will want to B-Apart of.

    Find out more visit B Aparthotels

    Star rating: ★★★★★

    ALSO READ: East Canyon Hotel + Spa Review (USA)

    ALSO READ: Hotel Review: Hilton Cardiff

  • Top 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets In Europe

    Christmas is coming and with it comes the cold, snow, stressful last-minute-present-buying, and Christmas markets.

    You’ve probably seen some around your town or city, and if you’re in for travelling a little further afield this year, here are 10 of the best Christmas markets from around Europe.

    MADRID

    SPAIN

    The largest square in Madrid is home to a stunningly beautiful market in November and December.

    This usually summer vacation spot comes alive to celebrate Christmas during the winter months.

    VIENNA

    AUSTRIA

    Between mid-November and the end of December, Vienna’s centuries-old Christmas markets have something for everyone. One of the oldest in Europe, running since 1298 as a simple ‘December Market’, there are now over 20 Christmas market areas across the city.

    PRAGUE

    CZECH REPUBLIC

    A smaller market in Prague is coupled with the Annual International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music. The city space is home to traditional Advent markets, and open-air performances by various ensembles.

    BRUSSELS

    BELGIUM

    Running from late-November to early January, the Brussels market covers the city centre and is one of the few that includes a public ice-skating rink.

    LILLE

    FRANCE

    This cute French city springs into vibrant Christmas celebrations at the market place ‘On Place Rihour’ where visitors can find local and international treats, arts & crafts, and food. Ooh la la!

    DRESDEN

    GERMANY

    One of Germany’s largest markets, Dresden’s city area, is covered in hundreds of market stalls, and seemingly no space in the city’s vastness is left without a market. With rides, food, crafts, and gifts, as well as traditional Gluhwein, Dresden’s market is one to see to believe.

    MUNICH

    GERMANY

    A massive market in Southern Germany, the Munich market (or Kriskindlemarkt) is one of the oldest, and combines traditional southern-German food, crafts, and gifts, with modern touches. These vast markets will certainly have something to entertain everyone, no matter what your interests.

    BUDAPEST

    HUNGARY

    This market centres on the Vörösmarty Square, which houses the majority of the festivities, including an ice-rink between late-November and January.

    STOCKHOLM

    SWEDEN

     

    The Old Town in Sweden is home to this wonderful market where visitors can sample local delicacies such as elk meat and reindeer between late-November and the end of December
    STRASBOURG

    FRANCE

    One of the best markets by size, reputation and popularity, this market is the oldest official Christmas Market, beginning in 1570. Running from mid-November to late December, this market is packed with tradition and modern excitement.

  • Some Of Brussels’ Gay Bars Remain Open For Business Despite Lockdown

    Some of Brussels’ gay bars are open for business despite a citywide lockdown as the Belgian Government raises the terror threat to “Very Serious”.

    Some gay bars in the Belgian capital of Brussels are open for business as usual but are working with the police to ensure the safety of their customers. The news comes after the Belgian Government put the entire city into lockdown, closing the Metro and raising the terror threat to its maximum level.
    The capital is enduring its second day of security lockdown as police forces continue to look for “several terror suspects” including Salah Abdeslam who was seen in gay bars in Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter, before the attacks in Paris, which left victims 130 dead last week.

    Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.

    One of Brussels’ busiest gay bars, Le Boys Boudoir, a popular bar in Brussels issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.

    The Chez Maman issued a statement that on the advice from police “not to run no risk and exceptionally close its doors”.

     

  • Paris Terror Fugitive Seen In Brussels Gay Bars

    The gay community is on edge after it has emerged that one of the Paris Terror fugitives, Salah Abdeslam was seen in a Brussels’ bar “flirting” with customers.

    • Salah Abdeslam is 26 and was born in Brussel.
    • He is the subject of Europe’s biggest manhunt for his alleged part in the Paris Terror Attacks over a week ago.
    •  130 people were gunned down in the streets of Paris
    • Abdeslam was reportedly seen by bar staff in Brussels’ gay bars, who thought he might be a rent boy.

    According to reports one of the Paris Terror Attacks’ suspects, Salah Abdeslam, 26, was seen by regulars in gay bars in Belgium’s capital city Brussels. He has been on the run ever since the atrocities in Paris that left 130 dead. Sources are claiming that Brussels-born, Abdeslam was part of the terror cell that prowled through the streets of Paris killing innocent people indiscriminately. It is believed that he rented and drove the car containing the attackers to Paris.

    A bartender at one of the bars told the Sunday Times (sub) that they had him down as a rent boy.

    “He was always hanging out with that kind of crowd.”

    It also emerged that regulars had seen him smoking, drinking and flirting with men in the bars of Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter, according to the report. It is not known if he actually had relations with anyone from the bars.
    The bar owner, who wished to remain anonymous after going through hours of security footage from his premises.
    An international manhunt for Abdeslam has so far failed; causing concern for authorities around Europe. Around 2000 police officers are involved with the search.
    Brussels has been in lockdown after the Belgian Government raised the Terror threat level to the highest level; “very serious” indicated that a terrorist attack is serious and imminent. The entire Brussels metro network was closed on the 21st and 22nd and many events, such as football matches have been cancelled.

    Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.

    Meanwhile gay bars in Brussels are remaining open, but are working closely with the police. Le Boys Boudoir, a popular bar in Brussels issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.